Ukrainian nationals who have fled Russia's illegal invasion will
continue being able to drive, as the Government extends rules to
support them.
The Future of Roads Minister has announced an 18-month
extension for Ukrainian licence holders, allowing them to drive
mopeds, motorcycles and cars – meaning these motorists will be
able to drive on Great Britain's roads for up to 4.5 years from
arriving here in the UK.
In addition, certain Ukrainians on visa schemes will be exempt
for a further 18 months from registering their vehicles or paying
Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) for their Ukrainian-registered vehicles
in the UK. This reduces financial pressure and avoids unnecessary
costs and complications.
Future of Roads Minister said:
“The Government stands firmly with the people of Ukraine, and
it's important those in the UK who've fled Putin's illegal
invasion are able to get about with ease for work or
education.
“This may seem like a small thing, but I'm pleased our country is
taking action to help make day-to-day life that little bit easier
for those who have endured unimaginable hardship for three years
now.”
The UK and Ukraine have an unbreakable bond, reflected through
the recently announced 100 Year Partnership,
which ensures closer communities are supported for generations to
come.
These exemptions align with the launch of the Ukraine Permission
Extension scheme, which enables certain Ukrainians to stay in the
UK for a further 18 months from the end of their current
permission. These measures will help avoid obstacles that may
make it harder for Ukrainians to return home after the war to
support reconstruction efforts.
The UK is steadfast in its commitment to supporting Ukraine, with
£12.8 billion in humanitarian, economic and military support
since the invasion started in February 2022. The Prime Minister
committed £3billion a year of military support for Ukraine for as
long as it takes.
Notes to editors
- Driver licensing is devolved to Northern Ireland, so
Ukrainians there will need to follow local laws.
- The driving licence holders exemption applies to Ukrainian
driving licence holders who successfully applied for entry
clearance or permission to stay in the United Kingdom (“UK”)
under the Homes for Ukraine Sponsorship Scheme (“HFUSS”) and
Ukraine Family Scheme (“UFS”) before 3:00pm on 19 February 2024,
or the Ukraine Extension Scheme (“UES”) on or before 16 May 2024
(having become resident in GB on or after 3 March 2022) and then
proceed to apply to the Ukraine Permission Extension Scheme
(“UPE”).
- Further information on how the VED and registration exemption
will work in practice will be published on Gov.UK.
